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Sat 11 Nov 2009Why official complacency about public rage is misplaced
The Government seems blasé about recent expressions of public unhappiness. Though that rage has been unfocused, it is dangerous to ignore it
LAST APRIL, in an unguarded moment, Brian Lenihan remarked that other European governments were “amazed” at his ability to impose harsh budgetary measures. The pension levy on public servants, he suggested, would have been greeted by “riots” in France. The touch of swagger in the Minister’s pronouncements betrayed an underlying complacency. The Government has no real fear of public anger. Its calculation is that, whatever sporadic gestures of protest may be made, the people will take the pain.
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